This study was carried out to investigate the speciation and distribution of the heavy metals; Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd and Pb in the sediments of Lake Burullus, Egypt. The mean metal concentrations of the sediments followed the order of Fe >Mn> Zn > Cu > Ni >Pb> Cd.
The evaluated contamination with these metals was revealed moderate to strong ecological risk. According to applying index of the potential ecological risk index (RI), risk assessment code (RAC) and modified risk assessment code (mRAC); the risk levels showed the following order Cd = Pb>Mn> Ni > Zn > Cu > Fe.
Considering the metals speciation, high levels were found in the residual fraction for Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni; while were in Fe-Mn hydroxide fraction for Cd and Pb, and in carbonate fraction for Mn.
All metals showed enrichment during summer at stations of the southeastern parts of the lake due to the heavy discharge of contaminants from shakhloba, kotichener and Hoksa drains. Therefore, monitoring of contaminants discharge and determination of heavy metal and other pollutants in the water and sediments and its fractionation at Lake Burullus should be introduced for future and management strategies.